After nearly two years away from the ONE Championship cage, Jhanlo Mark Sangiao is set to make a statement. The Team Lakay bantamweight is eyeing a dominant finish against Mongolia’s Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg in their showdown at ONE Fight Night 33 this Saturday, 12 July, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

Sangiao, who just turned 23, successfully passed his weigh-in and hydration test Thursday evening, clearing the final hurdle for his highly anticipated return. His motivation? Redemption—and a birthday wish sealed with a statement finish.

Determined comeback after first career loss

“It can be KO or submission,” Sangiao declared confidently when asked for a prediction. The young Filipino is eager to bounce back from his first professional loss to #4-ranked contender Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu and reinsert himself into the top-five bantamweight rankings.

“This is a very important fight. I need to grab this opportunity to be back in the winner’s circle and into the rankings,” Sangiao said.

He faces a dangerous opponent in Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg, known for his explosive knockout power. Still, Sangiao remains unfazed.

“Yes, he is an explosive striker, but I believe in my striking as well. There is no reason for me to feel threatened,” he said.

Excitement, nerves, and Filipino pride

Sangiao admitted that the emotional build-up to this fight mirrors his debut bout in ONE Championship. “Excited, a bit anxious, mixed emotions,” he said, describing his mindset.

Known for his first-round finishes, Sangiao is counting on Filipino fans to energize his return.

“I need my Kababayan to watch, as their support gives me that special push to prevail,” he said.

In a humorous and heartfelt moment during fight week, Sangiao revealed how his coach surprised him with a makeshift birthday celebration—while he was cutting weight.

“My Coach made a literal banana birthday cake. He pinned number 23 on the banana. I made my wish while sweating. But it’s okay, I can have my real cake after the fight,” Sangiao shared with a smile.